Tag Archive

Today’s ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi words are Kala and Kalana. Kalana means “to ask forgiveness.” The root of this word, Kala, means “to offer forgiveness.” Kala can also mean to untie, release, unburden or to free. It also carries with it several other metaphorical translations. The Power of Kala and Kalana This is a powerful thought to me since a lack of forgiveness truly can be …

Today’s ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi word is ‘Āina, and it means “the land.” Aloha ‘Āina (love of the land) is a powerful core value for the people of Hawaiʻi. Here, there is a deep connection between the land and the people. In fact, the state motto is Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ʻĀina i ka Pono. This motto is commonly translated as “The life of the land is perpetuated in …

Today’s ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi word is Malama! Malama refers to caring for or preserving or protecting something or someone. Often in Hawaiʻi you will hear someone say “Malama Aina!” This expresses a desire to care for, protect and preserve the Hawaiian lands. I’ll talk more about the aina in tomorrow’s post. Today’s Scripture Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, …

Today’s ‘Olelo Hawai’i word is Kākou. Most of all, it is a word of unity. It refers to all of us together, inclusively, and includes the speaker. For example, in a group of people we might say Aloha Kākou! (Greetings, love and a sharing of life together is my wish for all of us, myself included.) Imagine if The Three Musketeers had been …

Today’s ‘Olelo Hawai’i word is Kōkua. It means means to help, to give aid or to give assistance. It’s exactly what Paul was talking about when he wrote today’s passage. Kōkua is all about a spirit of generosity, of putting the needs of others ahead of your own. Today’s Scripture Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one …

Today’s ‘Olelo Hawai’i word is the name for our Judeo Christian God, Akua. Akua can, of course, refer to any number of gods. Likewise, our English word “god” can refer to many different understandings or belief system. But here in Hawaiʻi, when we capitalize it here like this, Akua, it is understood that we are referring to the one, true God. The …

Today’s ʻOlelo Hawaiʻi word is Mahalo! Along with aloha, mahalo is the most common ‘Olelo Hawai’i words you will hear on the islands. It means thank you. It is often modified with the words nui and/or loa which both convey the idea of big or large. Sometimes we will say to each other here in Hawai’i Mahalo Nui or Mahalo Nui Loa! …

Today’s ʻOlele Hawaiʻi word is Aloha! Aloha is, hands down, the most widely known of the Hawaiian words. Aloha is a word that can mean hello, goodbye or love here in Hawaiʻi. It is actually two words being put together. Alo means to share and Ha refers to the breath of life. So, to wish someone Alo-Ha is to say …

Disney fans will remember the animated film and subsequent television series “Lilo and Stitch” that came well before the more recently super-popular Moana! So, Lilo and Stitch is the story of a little Hawaiian girl who adopts an unusual pet who is actually a notorious extra-terrestrial fugitive hiding from the law. A running theme through the film is the Hawaiian …

Alakaʻi is both a verb and a noun. When used as a noun it means “leader.” When used as a verb it means “leading; the act of leadership.” My friend and mentor, John Maxwell, is famous for saying “Leadership is influence. Nothing more, nothing less.” I have certainly found that to be true. I can only effectively lead those that …